Sunday, June 14, 2015

PRE-OCCUPIED


Bobservations Column
by Pastor Bob Lawrenz 

 
In Hebrews chapter 11, the great chapter on faith supplies us with a glimpse of Abraham’s life. We are reminded that as with Abraham, our citizenship is in heaven, not on Earth. But the passage that describes Abraham’s faith-walk (verses 8-19) tells us also of his mindset. Abraham’s life was rooted in Ur of the Chaldees, but following God’s direction, he moved to a land that God promised to show him and to give to him and his descendants.

As progenitor of the Twelve Tribes of Israel, Abraham already had a vision for a new land for his family, but also beyond that, he saw something special: “But now they desire a better country, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be their God: for He hath prepared for them a city.” (Vs. 16)

Our faith-walk with Jesus should be similar, with the promise of heaven at the forefront of our minds, and the desire of our hearts. A recent devotional reading described this as being pre-occupied with heaven. As Jesus told the Apostles, “In my Father’s house are many mansions: I go to prepare a place for you.

While still in high school, my parents had a new home built. It wasn’t far away, but it was the desire of their hearts. As the months passed by, the house went from an empty lot to a beautiful home. There was so much joy in their hearts, and the anticipation was palpable in the whole household. When moving-in day arrived, it was a monumental experience, yet it was still an earthly home, and though built as designed, it had the normal problems of every earthly home. After months of preoccupation with the new house, their new home was exactly what they wanted. But they still looked forward through faith to see a heavenly home with Christ Jesus.

The new house they built is now occupied by another family, and they have gone home to a heavenly reward. Their earthly goals have now passed, and their home now is with Christ. Promises fulfilled!

We have the blessed opportunity to occupy places on Earth of our own choosing, and as His children, we have a spiritual need to pre-occupy ourselves with thoughts of God and His wonderful provision and promises for our future, “in His Father’s mansion.”

“For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:” ~ Philippians 3:20
















 

WhitestoneCF Media - Web TV

WhitestoneCF Media - Web TV
CLICK TO VIEW